Why We Run
Shea’s Chase was founded in loving memory of Shea McKenna, who died by suicide on June 8, 2014. On that day, we lost a dear friend, a loved one, a brother, and a son. The next year, Shea’s Chase was established as a movement to break the stigma surrounding mental illness, to encourage people to view mental health with the same importance as physical health, to communicate hope, and to increase the availability of services and support for those in our community who are struggling.
The first annual Shea’s Chase 5k Run/Walk was held in November 2015, with all proceeds donated to Mental Health Greensboro, a longstanding local nonprofit that for 81 years was dedicated to providing mental health education and free peer support and recovery services. In 2022, Mental Health Greensboro merged with the Kellin Foundation, combining their strengths to better serve our community. In 2023, the Kellin Foundation took over operating Shea's Chase, continuing the tradition that Tom and Dianne Mckenna began. Shea’s Chase now benefits the Kellin Foundation, supporting our free counseling, peer support, and wraparound services.
Over the years, Shea’s Chase has raised over $400,000, all of which has been directed towards expanding community mental health programs and services. This incredible achievement has been made possible by the generosity of community members and organizations like yours. We are deeply grateful for your continued support in making a difference in the lives of those affected by mental health challenges.
Shea’s Chase has become a 5K Run/Walk where community members can honor the memories of loved ones who have struggled with mental health and completed suicide. Pictured above is “Chris’ Pack”.
An Exercise in Exercise
Shea’s Chase is a cause with a very appropriate “exercise in exercise”, a 5K run/walk, as it’s primary engine. The core goals of Shea’s Chase are to help:
De-stigmatize mental health challenges.
De-stigmatize suicide and lend support to survivors.
Raise awareness of suicide prevention.
Highlight the link between mental health and physical health, and promote exercise as a tool to help maintain wellness.
Communicate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress as obstacles to contentment and productivity.
Communicate hope, support, and love to sufferers and their family and friends.
Raise awareness of services and programs to help those in recovery from manage health challenges.
Help fund the Kellin Foundation, a leading, local organizations aligned with the above.
Shea’s Chase & Kellin Foundation: A Partnership for Hope & Healing
We are honored that the Kellin Foundation has been established as the beneficiary of Shea’s Chase. This means that 100% of the proceeds from Shea's Chase will go directly to supporting and expanding our programs at the Kellin Foundation.
As a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Kellin Foundation has been a dedicated partner and neighbor in Greensboro and Guilford County since 2013. Our mission is to strengthen resilience among children, families, adults, and communities through trauma-informed behavioral health services focused on prevention, treatment, and healing. Here are some of the vital programs and services we provide:
Free Counseling for Children and Adults: We offer behavioral health services, including therapy, for individuals and families, with a special focus on those who have experienced trauma such as exposure to violence, loss, or other stressful events.
Free Peer Support, Wellness Classes, and Support Groups: Our integrated peer support services help community members work on recovery through various programs.
QPR Suicide Prevention Training: This nationally recognized program provides training in suicide and crisis aversion.
Wraparound Services: We assist families with needs beyond peer support and counseling, such as housing, access to food, and job training. Our case coordinators connect people to services provided by the Kellin Foundation and our partner organizations.
Our services aim to break cycles of trauma that contribute to mental health and substance use challenges. Our highly trained professionals help individuals process their experiences, develop new skills for healing, and gain confidence to chart a different course for themselves and their families. We provide evidence-based, trauma-responsive counseling, peer support, advocacy, and case coordination services. Additionally, we offer training and facilitate collaborative efforts to build a stronger Guilford County.
Impact of Shea’s Chase
Thanks to the generosity of Shea’s Chase supporters, the Kellin Foundation will be able to:
Provide free counseling to more children and adults in Guilford County.
Expand community outreach and strengthen the resilience of families.
Offer over 10,000 hours of recovery support services.
Teach over 500 recovery skills classes annually.
Hold nearly 600 peer-led support groups for individuals in recovery and their families.
Increase the number of certified QPR Suicide Intervention instructors on our staff, enhancing our ability to provide crucial training in the community.
We are excited about the benefits and growth that Shea’s Chase will bring to the Kellin Foundation and our behavioral health services. We look forward to expanding our impact and continuing to support our community through this wonderful partnership. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to making a difference.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the race, sponsorships, our cause, or anything else, please send us an email using the form below.